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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07196709

Effect of High-power Laser Acupuncture on Fatigue and Proprioception in Low Back Pain

To investigate the effect of high-intensity laser acupuncture on fatigue, proprioception, back pain and Pain self-efficacy in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).

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Key information

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Doaa Ayoub Elimy

Giza, 11251, Egypt

About this study

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a persistent back pain that affects people of all ages and significantly impacts individuals' functional activities. Fatigue and impaired proprioception are common complaints associated with CNSLBP, contributing to diminished physical performance and exacerbation of symptoms. While various treatment modalities exist, there is ongoing interest in exploring novel approaches to manage this condition effectively.Laser photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a noninvasive that stimulates cells, pain receptors, and the immune system and can cause analgesic effects. Recently, high-power lasers have been used for managing musculoskeletal dysfunction that allows for more energy deposition in deep tissues, resulting in both biological and thermal effects. High-power laser acupuncture (HPLA) has emerged as a promising intervention that combines the therapeutic effects of high-power laser therapy and the principles of acupuncture point stimulation on the body (acupoints) to induce physiological effect. However, there is limited evidence supporting this combined approach. For that, this study aims to investigate the effect of HPLA on fatigue, proprioception back pain and Pain self-efficacy in patients with CNSLBP. With this current randomized controlled trial, we seek to provide evidence-based insights into the potential effects of this combined approach on measurements of fatigue, proprioception, back pain and Pain self-efficacy.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 1. The patients had CNSLBP with age from 20 to 40 years from both genders.
  • Patients diagnosis with chronic low back pain without underlying pathological causes.
  • The patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain more than 3months. Minimum pain intensity of 30 mm on the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, which ranges from 0 to 100 mm.
  • Patients with BMI ranges between 18.5:29.9 kg/m2.
  • The study populations must be willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • Neurological, infectious diseases and systemic illness such as rheumatologic diseases,systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus type I or II.
  • Psychiatric/mental deficit.
  • Patients who had a previous surgical history (within 6 months) will also excluded
  • participation in other treatment within the previous 3 month.
  • Pregnancy.
  • History of spinal fracture, tumor, osteoporosis

Treatment and study plan

high-power laser acupuncture and the exercise program

Device

The experimental group will receive high-power lasers, and the treatment will be performed at 15 acupuncture points: unilateral GV3, GV4, and GV5, and bilateral BL 20, BL23, BL24, BL25, BL40, and GB30. Exercises program: The patients will perform this exercise program in the form of: strengthening exercises for abdominal and back muscles; lumbar stabilization exercises; and stretching exercises

Other names: high-intensity laser acupuncture

sham laser acupuncture and the exercises program

Device

The patients will receive a sham laser acupuncture and the exercise program in the form of: strengthening exercises for abdominal and back muscles; lumbar stabilization exercises and stretching exercises.

Other names: sham laser acupuncture

Primary outcomes

  1. fatigue

    Time frame: up to six weeks

    Isokinetic dynamometer will be used for measuring fatigue of back muscles.

  2. fatigue

    Time frame: up to six weeks

    The Biering-Sørensen test will be used for measuring fatigue of back muscles

  3. proprioception

    Time frame: up to six weeks

    Isokinetic dynamometer will be used for assessing lumber proprioception

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: up to six weeks

    The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) will be used by the patient to mark his/her level of pain on a 0 to 100 millimeter line. Zero usually represents 'no pain at all,' whereas the upper limit represents 'the worst pain ever possible.' Higher scores represent worse pain intensity, and lower scores represent less pain.

  2. Pain-Related Self-Efficacy

    Time frame: up to six weeks

    The Arabic version of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ-A) will be used to assess patients ' confidence in managing pain and performing daily activities. Higher scores reflect greater self-efficacy, indicating stronger confidence in coping with pain.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of High-power Laser Acupuncture on Fatigue and Proprioception in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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